The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State operates under a distinct structure separate from the national party, according to political analyst Omotayo Yusuf. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Yusuf highlighted ideological differences and the role of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) as key factors distinguishing the Lagos chapter.
Origins and Evolution of Lagos APC
Yusuf traced the roots of the Lagos APC to the Alliance for Democracy (AD), which later evolved into the Action Congress (AC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and eventually the APC. He emphasized that the Lagos arm of the party has maintained its own identity despite being part of the national platform.
Collective Leadership Beyond Tinubu
Contrary to the perception that President Bola Tinubu holds absolute control over Lagos politics, Yusuf argued that the state's APC is governed by collective leadership. He cited the GAC, a body of political elites, as a powerful influence that even the president respects. To illustrate, Yusuf recalled the 2018 incident when former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was denied a second term. Tinubu reportedly said, 'I do not have anything against Ambode; he's like a son to me. However, when the powers that be say they do not want him, what am I to do? Because if I dance without their support, I'm going to dance alone.'
Implications for 2027 Elections
Yusuf's remarks come as the Lagos APC prepares for the 2027 general elections. He stressed that the party's unique structure and decision-making processes should be understood separately from the national APC. The recent primary that produced Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the gubernatorial candidate further underscores this distinction.
In related news, Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu's chief of staff, recently urged Leke Abejide to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), sparking discussions about party dynamics. Gbajabiamila's comments came amid a leadership crisis in the ADC between factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark.
